Two Indian institutions among best small varsities

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati has been ranked 14th globally, followed by Savitribai Phule Pune University in 18th place. Small universities are defined by having fewer than 5,000 students and teach and research across more than four disciplines from arts/humanities, medicine/clinical, engineering/technology, physical sciences, life sciences and social sciences. Only 20 small universities in the world are world-class (included in the Top 800 World University Rankings), according to the ranking.

California Institute of Technology, US, has been ranked number one on the list followed by two French institutions – École Normale Supérieure and École Polytechnique in the second and third place, respectively.

Phil Baty, Times Higher Education rankings editor, says: “When it comes to universities, size matters. For some students big is best, but for others, a small university is the right option. Small universities can potentially offer students a more intimate environment, with more support and attention from lecturers, and – let’s be honest – more of a chance for students to spend time with the star professors who in bigger universities may simply be too busy. The smaller university can also offer a greater sense of collegiality and community, where students are less likely to get lost in the crowd.”

Commenting on Indian institutions, Baty says, “India’s institutions are well represented in the World’s Best Small Universities Ranking 2016. Alongside Caltech, they demonstrate the world-class offering available at smaller institutions, no matter their ­location.”

Source-Hindustan Times, 3-02-2016